A naked-eye visible and fluorescence “turn-on” probe for acetyl-cholinesterase assay and thiols as well as imaging of living cells

A resorufin derivative with a DBS group (probe 1) was designed and investigated for the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and inhibitor screening. The new assay is based on cascade enzymatic and chemical reactions of ATC, AChE and probe 1, and it can be carried out in a dual-signal detection mode. Moreover, the results show that probe 1 can be used for cell fluorescence staining.